HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUS 03-25Report to
Executive Commitee
Report Number: SUS 03-25
Date: June 9, 2025
From: Kyle Bentley
Director, City Development & CBO
Subject: Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests Tree Planting
Program Update and Extension
File: D-7001-031
Recommendation:
1. That Report SUS 03-25 regarding an update on Local Enhancement and Appreciation of
Forests Backyard Tree Planting program results, and the proposed extension be
received;
2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute a two-year extension to the joint
agreement between the Region of Durham, the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of
Forests organization, and participating municipalities, as set out in Attachment 1 of this
report, to deliver the tree planting program from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, subject to
the terms and conditions satisfactory to Director, City Development & CBO, and Director,
Corporate Services & City Solicitor;
3. That appropriate City staff be directed to take the necessary actions as indicated in this
report; and
4. That staff report back on program results and proposed next steps at the conclusion of
the agreement term.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the City’s
participation in the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) Backyard Tree
Planting Program to date. The report also serves to seek Council approval to execute a two-
year extension of the agreement with the LEAF, continuing the program from July 1, 2025 to
June 30, 2027.
The LEAF Backyard Tree Planting program provides Pickering community members with an
accessible and subsidized opportunity to plant native trees and shrubs on private property.
Since the City joined the program in 2020, the aim has been to plant a minimum of 40 native
trees (or equivalent using 3-shrubs-to-1-tree ratio) each year, helping to enhance the urban
tree canopy. Participant feedback from those engaged in this program has been positive based
on survey responses (see Attachment 2). By the end of June 2025, it is anticipated that a total
of 210 trees and shrubs (reflecting 3-shrubs-to-1-tree ratio) will have been planted. In Pickering,
the program has been actively promoted through the City’s website, social media, community
events, digital signage, print materials, and the Sustainable Pickering eNewsletter.
SUS 03-25 June 9, 2025
Subject: Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests Tree Planting Page 2
As per Resolution #350/20, the City of Pickering initially joined the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting
program in 2020 as a pilot program. Through Resolution #623/21, Council authorized a
four--year joint agreement (2021–2025) between the Region of Durham, LEAF, and
participating municipalities. This agreement concludes on June 30, 2025.
Due to community interest and continued uptake of the program, staff recommend that Council
extend the agreement for two years (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027). The Region of Durham
staff prepared the attached agreement (see Attachment 1) for the participating municipalities of
Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Scugog, and Clarington. The City of Pickering’s Corporate
Services Department reviewed the agreement, and City staff are seeking Council approval to
execute.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Lead & Advocate for Environmental Stewardship,
Innovation & Resiliency.
Financial Implications: A funding allocation of $15,000.00 was approved in the 2025 Current
Budget under Consulting and Professional Services 502230.10115.0000. This amount supports
the first year of program implementation from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Funding the
second year of the agreement would be subject to future annual budget processes.
As per the agreement, Whitby, Oshawa, and Ajax are each investing $15,000.00 for their
respective communities. Scugog is contributing $8,000.00 for a lower participation level, and
Clarington is contributing $30,000.00 for a higher contribution level. The Region of Durham
identified $80,000.00 in their budget to offset the balance of the cost.
As per the agreement, in the event that a municipal partner is not able to secure funds through
their respective budget process, they may opt out of the agreement at any time with a
minimum of three months’ notice to all parties.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the City’s participation in
the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program to date, and to seek Council approval to execute
the agreement (see Attachment 1) for the City of Pickering’s continued participation in the
LEAF Backyard Tree Planting program for an additional two years (July 1, 2025 to June 30,
2027).
1. Summary of Program Results for 2020 – 2024
The following summary outlines participation and planting metrics from the start of the
program in July 2020 to December 2024. It does not include the complete data set for
Year 5, as plantings scheduled in 2025 up to June 30, 2025, are still underway. Tree
totals include shrub substitutions based on a ratio of three shrubs equating to one tree.
SUS 03-25 June 9, 2025
Subject: Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests Tree Planting Page 3
Program Results for Pickering, July 2020 to December 2024
Target during 5-year timeframe 210
Total trees & shrubs planted (including
3 -shrubs-to-1-tree ratio)
182
Scheduled plantings up to June 2025 28
Trees planted 134
Shrubs planted 143
Type of Service Number of Participants in Pickering
Full-service participants 96
DIY participants 17
Multi-unit & businesses participants 2
1.1 Participant Feeback
Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the program’s
affordability, knowledgeable staff, seamless service delivery, and environmental value.
New and multi-year participants consistently praised the expertise of the LEAF
arborists, the health of the native species, and convenience of the planting process.
Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to urban greening and
biodiversity on their own properties. A full summary of participant testimonials is
provided in Attachment 2. These testimonials demonstrate strong community interest
and underscore the benefit of continued program delivery.
The LEAF Backyard Tree Planting program has proven to be a valuable initiative that
supports the City’s environmental priorities, adaptation goals, and community
engagement/education efforts. Its extension through 2027 will enable continued growth
of Pickering’s urban forest and enhance private green spaces throughout the City. By
leveraging this regional partnership, the City can continue to offer a tree planting
opportunity for community members to take part.
For the extension period, the annual target remains to plant a minimum of 40 large
caliper trees per year (or the equivalent shrub-to-tree ratio) and engage property owners
through education on tree care and the benefits of planting. Native shrubs will also
continue to be offered at a subsidized cost.
2. Program Background
LEAF is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and expanding the urban
forest throughout the Greater Toronto Area. LEAF delivers tree planting services with a
focus on native species, environmental education, and long-term care.
Authorized by Council through Resolution #350/20, Pickering initially joined the LEAF
Backyard Tree Planting program in 2020 as a pilot partnership coordinated by the
Region of Durham, in collaboration with participating municipalities. Through Resolution
#623/21, Council authorized the execution of a four-year joint agreement between the
Region of Durham, LEAF, and participating municipalities. This agreement will conclude
on June 30, 2025 and staff from all participating municipalities recommend the program
continue.
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Subject: Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests Tree Planting Page 4
The proposed extension maintains the existing service model, through which LEAF
provides residents, businesses, and multi-unit properties with access to:
• online pre-visit questionnaire to ensure that the property owner qualifies for the
program, has adequate space to plant, and is committed to long-term tree care
• on-site consultation with a LEAF arborist to determine appropriate species and
planting location
• full delivery and planting by LEAF professionals
• follow-up questionnaire to assess participant satisfaction and/or follow-up visit to
assess tree health
This framework helps to remove key barriers to planting, such as cost, access to
appropriate transportation, and limited planting ability, tools, and knowledge.
3. Policy and Strategic Alignment
The LEAF Backyard Tree Planting program supports multiple municipal and regional
strategies related to sustainability, adaptation, and urban forestry.
3.1 Regional Alignment
In particular, the program aligns with the Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan,
endorsed by Pickering Council. It supports regional efforts to help expand the urban
forest canopy, reduce heat impacts, manage stormwater, and promote the use of
native, resilient species to enhance ecosystems.
3.2 Municipal Planning and Strategic Policy
At the local level, the program supports Policies 10.15, 10.11(b), and 14.5(i)(iii) of the
Pickering Official Plan, which recognize the importance of urban forests for ecosystem
services, community aesthetics, and stormwater management. As noted near the top of
the report, it also advances the City’s Corporate Strategic Plan priority to lead and
advocate for environmental stewardship, innovation, and resiliency.
3.3 Climate Adaptation and Urban Forest Planning
The program aligns with actions outlined in the Community Climate Adaptation Plan
(anticipated for Council approval in May as of this writing), which identifies urban forest
expansion as a key strategy to help foster resiliency and mitigate urban heat island
effects. It also contributes to the objectives of the Urban Forest Study and Canopy
Cover Assessment, which the City is currently updating to guide long-term, evidence-
based planning for tree canopy growth.
4. Environmental and Community Benefits
Tree planting programs can contribute to Pickering’s local environment and community
with benefits such as:
SUS 03-25 June 9, 2025
Subject: Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests Tree Planting Page 5
• urban heat island mitigation
• improved air quality, carbon sequestration, and stormwater infiltration
• habitat creation to enhance biodiversity
• improved aesthetics and noise reduction in neighbourhoods
4.1 Benefits for Residents, Businesses, and Multi-Unit Property Owners
The program offers accessible, professional, and subsidized tree planting services for a
broad range of property types, with benefits including:
• Access to native trees and shrubs at subsidized rates: A variety of locally
sourced native species are available. Costs are subsidized through municipal and
regional partners to make planting more accessible.
• Customized arborist advice and planting guidance: Whether through an on-site
consultation or virtual/online planning tools, participants receive expert advice to
help select appropriate species and determine optimal planting locations based on
sun exposure, soil, space constraints, and long-term maintenance objectives of the
property owner.
• Flexible delivery and planting options: Plants are either delivered and planted by
trained professionals or picked up and planted by participants themselves with
instructions and resources provided.
• Ongoing care and maintenance support: Participants receive educational
resources, including planting and care guides, to support the long-term health of
their trees and shrubs. Follow-up support can be provided to assess tree survival
and offer further guidance as needed.
5. Program Promotion and Outreach
Over the term of the program, the City of Pickering promoted the planting opportunity
through a variety of communication channels to raise awareness and encourage
participation. Program details were shared on the City’s website and social media
platforms, and featured in the Sustainable Pickering eNewsletter, the Family Calendar,
and the City’s Leisure Guide. Promotional materials, including brochures and posters,
were distributed at community events and City facilities, with the program also featured
on the Civic Complex electronic board. The program was further promoted through
media releases, helping to inform residents of the opportunity.
6. Conclusion
Staff believe the LEAF tree planting program has successfully met the objectives of
several City and Regional policies and has been beneficial to Pickering and its
residents. Accordingly, staff recommend the City continue its participation in this
program. The Region of Durham staff prepared the attached agreement (see
Attachment 1) that was reviewed by City of Pickering Legal Services, and staff are
seeking Council’s authorization to execute.
SUS 03-25 June 9, 2025
Subject: Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests Tree Planting Page 6
Attachments:
1.Durham LEAF Program Agreement
2.LEAF Participant Testimonials (2020 – 2024)
Prepared By:
Original Signed By
Melanie Edmond, HBSc.
Coordinator, Sustainability
Original Signed By
Chantal Whitaker, BESc (Hons), CSR-P
Manager, Sustainability &
Strategic Environmental Initiatives
Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By
Kyle Bentley, P. Eng.
Director, City Development & CBO
ME:ld
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment 1 to Report SUS 03-25
LEAF BACKYARD TREE PLANTING PROGRAM AGREEMENT
Effective the 1st day of July, 2025
B E T W E E N:
Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (“LEAF”)
LEAF is a corporation without share capital, incorporated under the Ontario Corporations
Act
AND
The Regional Municipality of Durham
The Corporation of the City of Oshawa
The Corporation of the City of Pickering
The Corporation of the Town of Whitby
The Corporation of the Township of Scugog
The Corporation of the Town of Ajax
The Municipality of Clarington
(with the foregoing collectively referred to as the “Municipal Partners”)
RECITALS
A.WHEREAS the Municipal Partners each have a mandate that includes the
stewardship and environmental enhancement on private land through tree planting;
B.AND WHEREAS the Municipal Partners wish to work cooperatively with LEAF in
programs which assist in the fulfillment of their mandates;
C.AND WHEREAS the Municipal Partners previously partnered with LEAF from
2021 to 2025 and now wish to continue their collaborative efforts.
D.AND WHEREAS the parties have a mutual interest in private land stewardship and
tree planting;
E.AND WHEREAS LEAF offers a program which supports the various climate change
and urban forest strategies of the Municipal Partners;
F.AND WHEREAS the Municipal Partners approved an annual grant totaling $178,000
so LEAF can offer the Backyard Tree Planting Program (the “Program”) to residents
in an effort to increase urban tree planting.
NOW THEREFORE, for good consideration as provided for in this Agreement, the
parties hereby agree as follows:
Section 1: THE VISION
1a) LEAF and the Municipal Partners agree to cooperate in the implementation of
the Program, and to undertake the following activities:
I. To promote the Program to property owners through all available
channels;
II. To raise awareness of the environmental, social, and economic benefits
of the urban forest and canopy cover; and,
III. To facilitate the planting of trees and shrubs on private property.
Section 2: TERM OF AGREEMENT
2a) This Agreement shall commence on July 1, 2025 and terminate on June 30,
2027 (the “Term”). In the event that individual Municipal Partners are not able
to secure funds through their respective budget approval process, they may opt
out of the Agreement at any time with a minimum of 3 months’ notice to all
parties. In the event that LEAF can no longer deliver the Program effectively
with the resources available, they may opt out of the Agreement at any time
with a minimum of 3 months’ notice to all parties. The parties may extend the
Term of the Agreement at any time, by mutual agreement.
Section 3: RESPECTIVE ROLES OF LEAF AND MUNICIPAL PARTNERS
3a) LEAF covenants and agrees to do the following:
I. Recognize the Municipal Partners’ support of the Program through any
promotional material produced by LEAF as approved by the respective
Municipal Partner;
II. Use the funding provided by the Municipal Partners to support the
Program’s activities within the boundaries of the Region of Durham during
the Term of this Agreement;
III. Administer the Program by reviewing candidate properties for eligibility,
ensuring property owners understand they own and are responsible for
care of the trees, obtaining waivers of liability from each private property
owner to protect LEAF and the Municipal Partners and by arranging and
implementing planting on private property accordingly;
IV. Sell trees and shrubs, as well as related consultation and delivery/planting
services through the Program to Region of Durham property owners at a
subsidized price;
V. Monitor the success of the Program and implement contingencies and/or
modify plans accordingly; and,
VI. Track and report to the Municipal Partners on the number of Program
participants and trees/shrubs planted.
3b) The Municipal Partners covenant and agree to do the following:
I. To support the Program by providing the financial contributions set out in
this Agreement; and,
II. To offer Program feedback and work collaboratively with LEAF to
ensure Program success.
Section 4: DELIVERABLES
4a) LEAF agrees to achieve, at a minimum, the following deliverables during the
Term of this Agreement:
I. plant at least 262 trees (3 shrubs equals 1 tree) annually according
to the distribution set out in Section 6a);
II. reach at least 500 residents annually through outreach/educational activities;
III. provide recognition for the Municipal Partners’ support on LEAF’s
website, print materials and through social media as approved by the
respective Municipal Partner; and,
IV. provide promotional content for the Municipal Partners’ use, as approved by
the respective Municipal Partner, including website content, brochures,
posters, advertisements, and social media content.
Section 5: ADMINISTRATION AND REPORTING
5a) LEAF and the Municipal Partners shall each appoint one representative who
shall be responsible for the management and administration of the terms of
this Agreement.
5b) The parties shall meet at least once during the Term of this Agreement for the
purpose of discussing the status of the Program.
5c) LEAF covenants and agrees to provide a Summary Report to the Municipal
Partners by July 31st of each year which will include the following information:
I. List of addresses where trees/shrubs have been planted, including
numbers and species (conditional on property owner permission);
II. Summary of total annual plantings, including total number of trees and
shrubs planted; and,
III. Summary of promotional/outreach activities.
5d) The parties agree to communicate regularly and provide updates on the status of
the Program from time to time, as each party may require.
Section 6: FUNDING AND TARGETS
6a) The Municipal Partners covenant and agree to the following annual payment
schedule and LEAF agrees to complete the following tree targets during the
Term of this Agreement:
Partner Annual
Funding Payable to
Annual
Payment
Deadline
Annual Tree
Target
Pickering $15,000 LEAF July 15 40
Whitby $15,000 LEAF July 15 40
Oshawa $15,000 LEAF July 15 40
Ajax $15,000 LEAF July 15 40
Clarington $30,000 LEAF July 15 80
Scugog $8,000 LEAF July 15 22
Durham Region $80,000 LEAF July 15
Annual Totals $178,000 262
6b) LEAF covenants and agrees to administer the $178,000 provided by the
Municipal Partners in support of the Program (the “Grant”) as follows:
I. 10% of funds allocated to Program administration; and,
II. 90% of funds allocated for the cost of promoting and delivering the
Program and related education/communication activities.
6c) The parties may increase the funding and planting targets at any time, by
mutual agreement.
Section 7: OWNERSHIP AND MAINTENANCE OF TREES
7a) The trees planted in connection with this Program are owned by the private
property owner. The Municipal Partners do not have any ownership or
jurisdiction over the trees at any time.
7b) Any maintenance of the trees is the responsibility of the private property
owner.
Section 8: INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE
8a) LEAF shall defend, indemnify and save harmless the Municipal Partners
and its elected officials, officers, employees and agents from and against all
claims of any nature, actions, causes of action, losses, expenses, fines,
costs, interest or damages of every nature and kind whatsoever, arising out
of or allegedly attributable to the negligent acts, errors, omissions,
misfeasance, nonfeasance, fraud or willful misconduct of LEAF, its
directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors and subcontractors, or
any of them, in connection with or in any way related to the delivery or
performance of this Agreement. This indemnity shall be in addition to and
not in lieu of any insurance to be provided by the LEAF in accordance with
this Agreement and shall survive this Agreement.
8b) LEAF shall continuously maintain throughout the Term of the Agreement and
pay for Commercial General Liability insurance including personal injury,
broad form contractual liability, owners, and contractors protective,
completed operations, and non-owned automotive liability in an amount of
not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) applying to all contracts for
claims arising out of one occurrence. The Commercial General Liability
policy shall include the Municipal Partners as additional insureds in respect
of all operations performed by or on behalf of LEAF in relation to the
Agreement requirements and be endorsed to provide the Municipal Partners
with not less than thirty (30) days written notice in advance of any
cancellation, change or amendment restricting coverage. LEAF shall provide
an updated Certificate of Insurance on the Region’s standard form, or on a
form acceptable to the Region of Durham and the Municipal Partners.
Section 9: DEFAULT, TERMINATION AND REPAYMENT:
9a) If any of the following events occur, all of the Municipal Partners acting
unanimously shall be entitled to immediately terminate this Agreement upon
written notice to LEAF, and request the repayment of unspent funds associated
with the Grant:
I. LEAF breaches any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
II. LEAF ceases operating, ceases to operate as a non-profit organization,
winds up or dissolves, commences or has commenced against it any
proceedings in bankruptcy, or is adjudged a bankrupt; or,
III. LEAF uses the Grant for a purpose not approved by this Agreement.
Section 10: GENERAL
10a) This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
10b) Any notice, demand or acceptance required to be given hereunder in writing,
shall be deemed to be given if either personally delivered, emailed, or mailed by
registered mail, postage prepaid, (at any time other than during a general
discontinuance of postal services due to a strike, lockout, or otherwise) and
addressed to the parties as follows, or such change of address as the parties
have by written notification forwarded to each other:
• LEAF – Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests - Artscape
Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St, Suite 253 Toronto, ON M6G 4C7
c/o Janet McKay, Executive Director 416-413-9244 | 1-888-453-6504;
janet@yourleaf.org
• The Regional Municipality of Durham, 605 Rossland Rd. East, Whitby,
ON L1N 6A3
c/o Ian McVey, Manager of Sustainability, 905-668-4113 ext. 3803;
Ian.McVey@durham.ca
• The Corporation of the City of Oshawa, 199 Wentworth St. East,
Oshawa, ON L1H 3V6
c/o Michelle Whitbread, Manager, Policy and Partnerships, 905-436-3311,
ext.2811, mwhitbread@oshawa.ca
• The Corporation of the City of Pickering One The Esplanade, Pickering,
ON L1V 6K7
c/o Chantal Whitaker, Manager, Sustainability & Strategic Environmental
Initiatives, 905-420-4660 ext. 2170, cwhitaker@pickering.ca
• The Corporation of the Town of Whitby, 575 Rossland Road East
Whitby, ON L1N 2M8
c/o Sarah Shields, Project Manager- Sustainability & Climate Change
Strategic Initiatives, 905-391-4439, shieldss@whitby.ca
• The Corporation of the Township of Scugog 181 Perry Street, P.O. Box
780, Port Perry, ON L9L 1A7
c/o Robert Frasca, Manager of Public Works and Infrastructure Services,
905-985-7346 ext.107, rfrasca@scugog.ca
• The Corporation of the Town of Ajax, 800 Salem Rd North, Ajax, ON L1Z
0J1
c/o Craig Blencowe, Supervisor, Forestry & Horticulture, 905-619 2529
ext.4210, Craig.Blencowe@ajax.ca
• The Municipality of Clarington, 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, ON,
L1C 3A6
Natalie Ratnasingam, Project Manager, Energy and Climate Change
Response, 905-623-3379, NRatnasingam@clarington.net
10c) The Parties agree that should any other local area municipality wish to join the
Program, that they may do so by agreement in writing between the local area
municipality, the Regional Municipality of Durham and LEAF, and that a formal
amendment signed by all Parties is unnecessary. The local area municipality
will agree to abide by substantially the same terms and conditions and will
receive approximately the same share of the Deliverables, as the other
Municipal Partners.
The duly authorized representatives of LEAF and the Municipal Partners, having
authority to bind their respective organizations and having read and understood the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, agree to the terms and conditions, and
execute this Agreement as of the date first written above.
LOCAL ENHANCEMENT AND APPRECIATION OF
FORESTS
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
I/We have authority to bind the Corporation
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF DURHAM
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
I/We have authority to bind the Corporation
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF OSHAWA
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
I/We have authority to bind the Corporation
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF
PICKERING
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
I/We have authority to bind the Corporation
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF WHITBY
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
I/We have authority to bind the Corporation
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
SCUGOG
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
I/We have authority to bind the Corporation
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AJAX
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
I/We have authority to bind the Corporation
THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
Per: _______________________________
Name: Title:
I/We have authority to bind the Corporation
Attachment 2 to Report SUS 03-25
LEAF Participant Testimonials (2020 – 2024)
The following testimonials were gathered through LEAF’s post-participation surveys, which are
distributed to program participants following their involvement in the Backyard Tree Planting
program. The comments reflect individual experiences from Pickering property owners who
received trees or shrubs through the program between 2020 and 2024. Survey participation
was voluntary but from those that opted to complete the survey, it provided municipal staff with
valuable feedback, highlighting the value participants derived from the program in terms of
service quality, environmental impact, affordability, and participant satisfaction.
1.Excellent Customer Experience and Service Delivery
•“All good. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Plants arrived in good condition and I am
hoping to keep them that way! Looking forward to years of enjoyment of my backyard
ecosystem!” (2020)
•“LEAF is a great community-based program, with knowledgeable, helpful staff from the
arborist to the team who planted the trees in my yard. I recommend this program for
anyone looking to plant native trees or shrubs at their home.” (2020)
•“Every step of the way, my experience has been so positive. Talking on the phone,
meeting the arborist, even the tree planters provided service with a smile! The value of
this program is unreal, you just get so much service for such a minor cost. I can't wait to
watch our new tree grow. The backyard birds are already interested! Thank you so very
much!” (2021)
•“The LEAF team was professional and friendly. The arborist provided expert advice on
our options. When the tree arrived, it was healthy and well cared-for. The planting
process was done quickly and expertly. Our new tree looks fantastic in our yard!” (2021)
•“Special thanks to the women who delivered our shrubs. I had a question about shrubs I
had purchased last year through LEAF and they were accommodating, courteous and
knowledgeable.” (2023)
2.Quality of Plant Material and Planting Process
•“LEAF provides great service! We love that the kit we received will attract bees!
Everything was very seamless – ordering, delivering, and planting (the planting guide
was very helpful). Can't wait to order more plants in the future :)” (2020)
•“The tree arrived healthy and well cared-for.” (2021)
•“The planters were so careful and hard working. Great program. Can’t wait to participate
again next year!” (2021)
•“My trees were planted professionally and look healthy. I look forward to watching them
grow and to see the changes they will go through as the seasons change.” (2023)
3.Ease and Convenience
•“Ordering and delivery was smooth and professional.” (2020 - full quote below)
•“Delivery was as stated.” (2021)
•“So convenient that I didn't have to lift a finger to get my tree purchased, delivered, and
planted.” (2023)
4. Environmental Motivation and Native Species Appreciation
• “The selection of native trees, shrubs, and plants appropriate to my region is broad.”
(2020 – full quote below)
• “We are thrilled with our beautiful tree which was a reasonable price and a native
species. The environmental factor played significantly into our deciding to buy a tree.”
(2022 – full quote below)
5. Program Value and Affordability
• “Professional consultation and delivery at an affordable price plus community driven
from friendly people. I was very impressed.” (2021)
• “Overall a great experience and worth every penny!” (2021)
• “The price for the service was incredibly reasonable and I will definitely recommend this
service to others.” (2023)
6. Expert Consultation and Overall Satisfaction
• “The selection of native trees, shrubs, and plants appropriate to my region is broad.
They provide lots of support information to ensure success. Ordering and delivery was
smooth and professional. I will continue adding native plants each year, and will
definitely rely on LEAF for this.” (2020)
• “Great service and great arborist recommendations and delivery was as stated.” (2021)
• “Amazing program and people. The consultation was very informative and they took the
time to learn what we wanted.” (2021)
• “I was delighted to find this program. It was a wonderful experience with expert and
pleasant staff support and consultation. We are thrilled with our beautiful tree which was
a reasonable price and a native species. The environmental factor played significantly
into our deciding to buy a tree. The whole process was outstanding from initial contact
to planting and we recommend this service wholeheartedly!” (2022)
• “Friendly and informative consultation. Very well-organized program. Delivery, planting
and clean-up was efficient and well done.” (2022)
• “As I am an elderly person it was a wonderful opportunity to get expert advice on the
selection of a tree and its care.” (2023)
• “Black Maple wasn’t in my list of preferred tree but I am very satisfied picking it after
James explains the difference of that compared to what I initially asked.” (2024)
• “We recommend this service wholeheartedly!” (2022)
• “I will definitely recommend this service to others.” (2023)